Ruby. We lost... we lost Pyrrha. You lost her, too. And Penny, and your team, and in a way... your sister. But you're still here, despite everything you've lost, everything you could still lose, you chose to come out here. Because you felt like you could make a difference. You didn't drag us along. You gave us the courage to follow you.
„
~ Jaune, giving encouragement to Ruby.
“
It doesn't matter what we're called. As long as we're together.
„
~ Jaune, to the rest of RNJR.
Jaune Arc, later known as the Rusted Knight, is the deuteragonist of the RWBY franchise. He is a Huntsman and the former leader of Team JNPR, and a major ally of Team RWBY.
He is voiced by Miles Luna, who also voiced David in Camp Camp.
Jaune is a very tall, muscular man with blonde hair and dark blue eyes. His attire almost always consists of a dark blue Pumpkin Pete hoodie and jeans, with a brown belt and gloves. He wears white and gold armor, primarily a chestplate, rerebraces, and elbow pads. Following the death of his love interest Pyrrha Nikos, he wore a red sash around his waist.
Following his fall into the Ever After and subsequent decades spent there, Jaune grew taller, with his hair grew to shoulder-lenth with a wolf tail tied in red ribbon in the back. His hair grew grey streaks and his face grew wrinkled, as well as his armor rusting and his sword breaking.
After touching Alyx's dagger, her last wish to fix him restored Jaune back to the teenager he was when he first landed in the Ever After. Only he kept the white streaks in his hair as a symbol of his growth.
Jaune appeared as a character in the defunct mobile video game RWBY: Amity Arena.
In the game's primary multiplayer mode, Jaune appeared as several units. The Vomit Boy Jaune unit was a basic ground-based melee unit, though was very powerful at higher levels . The Boundless Jaune unit was a melee unit that could rush to friendly units' aid, healing them and boosting their defense. The Vanguard Jaune unit was a melee unit that could direct and focus friendly units to target specific enemies or areas.
Personality[]
Jaune began his time at Beacon as a goofy, lighthearted individual who liked to crack jokes, flirt, and otherwise socialize. He had an incredible amount of confidence, and never let any setbacks lower his self-image. Despite that, he was meek and mild around bullies before getting a confidence boost from Pyrrha that aided him in trusting himself and his abilities more. From his early days in Beacon, he showed himself to be a tactical and strategic genius.
However, after the Fall of Beacon, Jaune's personality changed to be far more stoic and serious. Though he retained his confidence and tactical knowledge, he became prone to bursts of rage and sorrow, especially when confronted by those responsible. His care for his allies never faltered, though he tends to be more aggressive and focused on his greater goals.
After falling into and spending decades in the Ever After, Jaune's goal-oriented mindset grew greater. He became a defender to those he believed could not defend themselves, and after being betrayed yet again, this time by Alyx, he became increasingly stubborn in defending his beliefs and points of view. He would become fixated on routine and unwavering in his beliefs, even at the cost of some of his sanity or the wants of those he was protecting. He maintained his care for friends and allies, but was more of a hardened warrior less likely to hold back than before.
Ironically this made him much like James Ironwood, whom technically went insane. Unlike him, Jaune was able to have some sense metaphorically knocked into him after snapping at Ruby, whom was already having a breakdown after Penny's death. Weiss, Blake and Yang made him realize how selfish he had been. It was at this point, Jaune realized how much he had screwed up. After seeing Ascension wasn't a bad thing, he was finally able to get to the door to leave.
Jaune outright loathed the Curious Cat for good reason, but he never had it confirmed what they did to Alyx. Though Jaune was able to make peace once the Blacksmith told him Alyx was indeed killed by the cat, but left part of herself behind to fix him.
Powers and Abilities[]
Jaune is a talented swordsman following training from Beacon Academy and Pyrrha Nikos. His weapon, Crocea Mors, is a sword and shield that Jaune uses to great effect. Following the Fall of Beacon, he upgraded his weapons to combine with each other, creating a powerful two-handed greatsword that he can use with the same proficiency as his one-handed blade and shield. His shield has also been modified with Hard Light Dust to extend if needed. Additionally, following training from Professor Ozpin, he is proficient at hand-to-hand combat as well. Following decades of being a warrior in the Ever After, he honed his skills to become an even more hardened and skilled warrior, including fighting while on a mount.
Jaune unlocked his Semblance, a power unique to him and tied to his soul, during the Battle of Haven. His Semblance, called Aura Amp, allows him to amplify another's Aura and Semblance with his own through physical contact. When he is in contact with another, he can amplify the defensive and healing properties of thier Aura, making it capable of withstanding far greater force than usual or allowing it to heal much more egregious, potentially life-threatening injuries as opposed to normally only being able to heal minor wounds. If applicable, the subject's Semblance is also amplified, increasing its effectiveness, strength, range, or speed.
Jaune himself possesses an Aura, which he unlocked during Beacon Initiation with help from Pyrrha. His Aura is a physical defense generated by his soul. This durable field is invisible except when it is overtaxed, where it flashes yellow. His Aura defends her from attack and can even heal minor wounds, but if it takes too much damage it will become depleted and require time to return. According to Pyrrha, Jaune has a considerable amount of power in his Aura, likely tied to his Semblance, which allows him to use his own Aura to amplify others'.
One of Jaune's most praised abilities among his peers is his high level of intelligence and strategical and tactical genius. He is able to formulate winning strategies and plans while in action, and is also regarded as an excellent leader and coordinator. Under his lead, his teams JNPR and the short-lived RNJR were combat specialists able to take down large and dangerous foes with ease.
Jaune is also revealed to be a surprisingly adept dancer, able to do so even while wearing a dress.
Quotes[]
“
Hey, I'm Jaune.
„
~ Jaune, assisting Ruby Rose up from the ground.
“
My mom always says, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.
„
~ Jaune, explaining to Ruby why he assisted her.
“
Ah, great. Where am I supposed to find another nice, quirky girl to talk to?
„
~ Jaune, after Ruby leaves with Yang Xiao Long.
“
I'm a natural blond, you know.
„
~ Jaune, to Weiss Schnee.
“
You know what else is great? Me.
„
~ Jaune, hitting on Weiss.
“
Well, hot stuff, play your cards right, and maybe you could join up with the winning team.
„
~ Jaune, hitting on Pyrrha Nikos.
“
Sounds like Pyrrha's on board for Team Jaune. Spots are filling up quick! Now, I'm not supposed to do this, but maybe I could pull some strings, find a place for you. What do you say?
„
~ Jaune, trying to recruit Weiss into his team.
“
Wait, come back! Who's gonna get me down from here?!
„
~ Jaune, trying to ask for help from Weiss.
“
Of course I do. Do YOU know what Aura is?
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha after being questioned about his knowledge of Aura.
“
It's like a forcefield!
„
~ Jaune, sums up Aura.
“
Pyrrha, I made the torch. Could you at least humor me for, like, maybe five more feet?
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha right before dropping the torch in water.
“
Soul crushing regret?
„
~ Jaune, in response to Pyrrha.
“
Pyrrha! This is not the relic! It's not!
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha as he is shaken by the Death Stalker.
“
Just dropping in?
„
~ Jaune, catching Weiss who fell from the Nevermore's grip.
“
Run and live! That is an idea I can get behind!
„
~ Jaune, giving his approval for Ruby's strategy.
“
Man, we gotta get over there! They need help!
„
~ Jaune, to Nora Valkyrie, to help battle the Death Stalker.
“
NORA, NAIL IT!!!
„
~ Jaune, telling Nora when to strike the scorpion.
“
Sheesh, what's with her?
„
~ Jaune, about Weiss after she storms off.
“
Guys, I'm fine. Seriously! Look!
„
~ Jaune, about Weiss after she storms off.
“
Oh, C'MON!
„
~ Jaune, responding to Cardin Winchester's bullying.
“
It's not like he's only a jerk to me, he's a jerk to everyone.
„
~ Jaune, describing Cardin.
“
Pyrrha, I know I'm going through a rough time right now. But I'm not that depressed! I can always be a farmer or something.
„
~ Jaune, after Pyrrha shows him the roof for the first time.
“
I mean I didn't go to combat school! I didn't pass any tests! I didn't earn my spot at this academy! I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts, and I lied!
„
~ Jaune confesses to Pyrrha about sneaking into Beacon Academy.
“
My father, my grandfather, and his father before him were all warriors! They were all heroes! I wanted to be one, too. I was just never good enough.
„
~ Jaune, explaining to Pyrrha his motive for sneaking into Beacon.
“
I don't want help! I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!
„
~ Jaune, rejecting Pyrrha's help.
“
I'm tired of being the lovable idiot, stuck in the tree while his friends fight for their lives! Don't you understand? If I can't do this on my own... then what good am I?
„
~ Jaune, telling Pyrrha why he must prove himself alone.
“
You know, you're not the easiest person to talk to about this kind of stuff.
„
~ Jaune, on Ruby's advice.
“
I think I'm allergic to this stuff...
„
~ Jaune, on his allergic reaction to the red sap.
“
I said no!
„
~ Jaune, refusing to help Cardin get revenge on Pyrrha.
“
I don't care what you do to me... but you are not messing with my team.
„
~ Jaune, defending his friends from Cardin.
“
Don't ever mess with my team - my friends - ever again. Got it?
„
~ Jaune, intimidating Cardin after saving his life.
“
Pyrrha... I'm sorry. I was a jerk! You were only trying to be nice, and... I had all this stupid macho stuff in my head--
„
~ Jaune, apologizing to Pyrrha.
“
Bring it on, Ice Queen! I'll have you know that I have been told that I am a natural born leader!
„
~ Jaune, to Weiss.
“
♫ Weiss Schnee, will you accompany me, to the dance on... Sunday! ♫
„
~ Jaune, inviting Weiss to the dance.
“
Oh please, if you don't get a date to the dance, I'll wear a dress.
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha.
“
Ren. I'm just gonna come out and say it. You are one of my best friends. These past few months, I feel like we really bonded... even though you don't say much. I mean, you're really quiet. To be perfectly honest, I don't know that much about you personally; but, darn it, I consider you to be the brother I never had!
„
~ Jaune, explaining his friendship with Ren to the latter.
“
Nora! I said headphones on!
„
“
It's Weiss... I'm completely head over heels for her, and she won't even give me a chance. She's cold, but she's also incredible. She's smart, and graceful, and talented-- I mean have you heard her sing? I just wish she take me seriously, y'know? I wish I could tell her how I feel without messing it all up.
„
~ Jaune, telling Ren about his crush on Weiss.
“
To the socially awkward.
„
~ Jaune, making a toast with Ruby.
“
Do you even care about the girls you're hitting on? How they feel about you?
„
~ Jaune, confronting Neptune Vasilias about his flirting act with several girls.
“
Then just go talk to her. No pickup lines, no suave moves, just be yourself. I've heard that's the way to go.
„
~ Jaune, encouraging Neptune to be honest to Weiss.
“
Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word.
„
~ Jaune, in response to Pyrrha's disbelief at his choice of attire.
“
We're changing our mission. Everyone on board!
„
~ Jaune, responding to the sirens.
“
If I barf, I'm blaming you...
„
~ Jaune, after his meal with JNPR and RWBY.
“
Ren! Nora! Flower Power!
„
~ Jaune, trying to get his team to end the battle.
“
Nora, just hit them with the hammer..
„
“
You were the first person to ever believe in me, you know that? Even when I told my parents I was going to Beacon, they told me not to worry if I ended up having to move back home. How depressing is that?
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha.
“
I guess... I'm just trying to say that... you've always been there for me... even when I didn't deserve it. And I can tell there's something on your mind, so... I don't know. How can I help?
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha.
“
The Pyrrha Nikos I know would never back down from a challenge. And if you really believe it's your destiny to save the world... you can't let anything stand in your way.
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha.
“
Pyrrha, please snap out of it!
„
~ Jaune, to Pyrrha.
“
What would this school need to... hide?
„
~ Jaune, questioning Pyrrha.
“
No. No, Pyrrha, you can't. You saw how powerful she is! Pyrrha, I won't let you do-
„
~ Jaune, protesting to Pyrrha.
“
Pyrrha! She's going after that woman at the top of the tower! She doesn't stand a chance!
„
~ Jaune, pleading to Weiss and Ruby.
“
I know. It's the only way we have.
„
~ Jaune, to Ruby.
“
I'm just tired of losing everything.
„
~ Jaune to Ruby, after seeing the destruction of Shion village..
“
He was using you as bait.
„
~ Jaune, to Ruby about Qrow Branwen not joining them.
“
Well, you are just a real bundle of help, aren't you?
„
~ Jaune, to Qrow after learning his Semblance is misfortune.
“
No, we're supposed to stick together! We keep each other safe!
„
~ Jaune, protesting that RNJR split.
“
Just take care of each other.
„
~ Jaune, saying goodbye to Ren and Nora.
“
You don't know that.
„
~ Jaune, to Ruby about Ren and Nora's safety.
“
Wait. Do you guys hear that?
„
~ Jaune hearing the Nuckelavee approaching
“
What is wrong with you? How can you be so broken inside... to take so many lives, and then come here and rub it in our faces like it’s something to be proud of?! All with that damn smile on your face!
„
~ Jaune, to Cinder.
“
If I die buying them time, then it’s worth it. They’re the ones that matter.
„
~ Jaune about sacrificing his life for his friends' safety, to Cinder.
“
No, it wasn’t supposed to be like this! Please! We can’t lose anyone else…
„
~ Jaune, to Weiss shortly before he unlocks his Semblance.
“
Pyrrha once told me I’ve got a lot of it. I still believe her.
„
~ Jaune, to Nora about his Semblance.
“
Heh, good to have you back, Weiss.
„
~ Jaune, after Weiss regains consciousness.
“
We haven't exactly heard good things.
„
~ Jaune to Oscar about Neopolitan
“
Did it just...?
„
~ Jaune shocked after hearing The Hound speak
“
Jaune: They're gone... because of you! The Walkers came for you, because Neo. Hates. You! Oh, and let's not forget the reason we're in the Ever After in the first place is because of your plan that didn't work! WHAT ABOUT YOU?! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!!! Weiss: Jaune? Jaune: I'm sorry, I... I know I'm not okay. I- I'm not right, but... How am I supposed to be...? I've been alone... for so... long! Here... on that bridge... I was the only one that could do it! I was the ONLY ONE! And I... And now I have to live with that forever... In here or back home...
„
~ Jaune lashing back at Ruby until having an emotional breakdown.
“
I don’t understand. Alyx, the Pleasers, now Ruby! What does this place want?
„
“
No, you... you didn't... You monster!
„
~ Jaune facing Curious Cat.
“
Jaune: This whole time... I thought Alyx made it back home and lied about everything that happened here! But you were the one that killed...! Who lied! Curious Cat: You were never the brave knight either! Just more fairytale nonsense!
„
~ Jaune battling Curious Cat.
“
Maybe not, but that’s not the case for Neo.
„
“
I... I can’t believe it. It’s been so... (stunned over the sound of his voice) This... is what I sounded like?
„
~ Jaune is de-aged by Alyx's final wish to repair the damage she did.
“
I see those campfires all across Vacuo at night and I wonder what people are sharing, what they're building, the hope they're stoking, and what they'll be saying when this is all over.
„
Gallery[]
Images[]
Chibi Jaune
Jaune's volumes 1-3 outfit
Jaune as he appeared in RWBY: Amity Arena.
Merchandise[]
Trivia[]
Jaune alludes to the historical figure Joan of Arc:
Jaune's name is a reference to Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc)
He faked something about his identity to join into battle
Jaune Arc used to constantly be harassed and bullied by Cardin Winchester. Joan of Arc was sentenced to being burned at stake by Henry Beaufort, a.k.a. the Bishop of Winchester, who was also a Cardinal.
"Jaune" is the French word for yellow.
His name's meaning may be a reference to his apparently weak and timid behavior since "yellow" and "yellow belly" are slang terms for coward. This is particularly apparent in its connection to the French and the stereotypical and discriminatory association between France and cowardice.
His symbol, a yellow, double crescent moon, could be a reference to his voice actor and RWBY writer Miles Luna, whose last name is Latin for "Moon."
When frightened, Jaune has a very high pitched scream. It was enough for Yang to mistake it for a girl's scream.
Jaune appears to have a somewhat weak stomach, and often suffers air sickness. When he first meets Ruby he tries to explain to her that air sickness is "a much bigger problem than most people let on."
Jaune was the first member of team JNPR to be introduced in the series.
Jaune may be allergic to the tree sap of the Forever Fall forest, as his face was swollen and he was speaking in a nasally voice after he gathered a large amount of it.
Foreshadowing his skills as an adept dancer, before Volume 2 started, Monty created a rig of Jaune dancing and put it on his Facebook.
He appears to be a fan of X-Ray and Vav comics.
In the Japanese dub, he is voiced by Hiro Shimono, who also provided his voice for Jaune in RWBY: Ice Queendom, as well as voiced Connie Springer in Attack on Titan, Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer, and Keima Katsuragi in The World Only God Knows.
The name of his weapon translates to "Yellow Death"
Jaune's Aura Amp can help heal scarring, but only if it's fresh. 24 hours later, he couldn't remove Nora's burn marks.
Due to being aware of the Rusted Knight, and then being sent back in time in the Ever After, Jaune was the Rusted Knight that Lewis wrote about, with the events in the story ironically leading him to becoming the Rusted Knight.
